Old Joe Hunt was a farmer

Old Joe Hunt was a farmer
And a good man he was too
And once a week he'd come to town
When he had errands there to do.

When Billy Boy the gambler
Saw old Joe riding into town
He met him at the hitching rail
Just as Joe was stepping down.

Joe, you're looking mighty thirsty
Wont you step right inside
Cause the beer is cold and I've been told
Some cards you might imbibe.

Well I surely do be thirsty
And I'll have that glass of beer
But them cards ain't for me my friend
My few dollars are too dear.

Joe Hunt now don't you worry
That gambler he did say
My loss will surely be your gain
This could be your lucky day.

Well, beer came to the table
And them cards they did fall
And when the afternoon was over
That gambler had it all.

Joe saw the markings on the cards
And he knew he'd been mistreated
Said, Billy Boy you're a bad bad man
I surely have been cheated.

Well, that gambler pulled his pistol
And Joe Hunt grabbed his arm
And when that gun fired in the air
It didn't do no harm.

Then Joe took a hold on Billy
Said, I know you marked that deck
And when all was said and done that day
Joe'd done broke Billy's neck.

The sheriff came to the bar room
And seen what had been done
He saw the body lying on the floor
And he just picked up Billy's gun.

He sent for the undertaker
Had Billy's body hauled away
Gave that money there to old Joe Hunt
And said it's been a lucky day